OLD BOYS SURVIVE GORE
2 April 2016
Old Boys 2 – (Atain, Danny Rosel)
Gore Wanderers FC – 1
Old Boys claimed a fortunate three points from the opening round of the Donald Gray in Gore’s hot energy-sapping conditions.
In the match’s opening third, the locals dominated possession and territory and were left lamenting several near misses. Stand-in keeper Frank O’Boyle lived up to his reputation of being ‘handsy’ with several critical saves. He deflected a curling free kick off the far post and, against other shots, he demonstrated sage positioning. In a moment of high drama and consternation, he also rode his luck as he and skipper Jeremy Dix conspired to gift the Gore striker an open goal from 20 metres, a chance which was squandered.
In the final 15 minutes of the first half, Old Boys started to play with some semblance of shape and began to string together some passes. Moments prior to the interval, Old Boys produced a quality team goal. From the left side of the attacking third, Monie Singh maintained possession and swept the ball across the face of the penalty box to the hard-working David Fosbender. From the right, the octogenarian chipped a pinpoint pass to his older brother, Danny Rosel, unchecked at the far post. Danny nodded in the gift. 1 – 0.
The opening stanza of the second half saw Old Boys continue its bout of authority. Players appeared to be lighter on their feet, quicker to the 50-50 balls, and more accurate with short and long passes.
Old Boys punctuated the positive period of play with a second goal. The ever improving Dix launched an accurate ball to Man of the Match Henry who had darted around the stout Gore defence. Bearing down on goal, Henry was tackled from behind – an obvious penalty. Professional place kicker Atain Halley stepped up and calmly placed the ball in the back of the net. 2 – 0.
Old Boys threatened to score a third and fourth but were unable to produce the final touch despite a steady diet of play in the attacking third.
With 15 minutes remaining in the match, Gore roared back into contention with a well-worked goal besting Frank at the near post. 2 – 1.
The final block of the game proved to be tense but ultimately tired football as the legendary Gore heat and densely-grassed field robbed most players of energy. The match devolved into a game of -force back- as each side pined for a defensive error, which was not forthcoming.
The final whistle brought relief over ecstasy as the lads were firmly aware they had escaped with a lucky three points. Gore had certainly matched Old Boys in all facets save for the score line. The Wanderers should be aiming for a top three finish in the seasons competition.
Player Of The Day: Henry
